People of Bermondsey: Rod & Ellie, Founders of Chapter 72 & Fel Fel Cafe

Nov 14

Portrait of Rod and Ellie, the warm and entrepreneurial couple behind Bermondsey's beloved Fel Fel and Chapter 72, seated together in their cozy café, showcasing their welcoming and vibrant spirit that's become a staple of the local community.

Please introduce yourself and your business?

Everyone calls us Rod & Ellie, we are a husband and wife team that run two shops on Bermondsey Street Fel Fel Cafe and Chapter 72.

Exterior view of the charming and historic building on Bermondsey Street, showcasing its distinctive architecture and the vibrant, bustling street life, typical of this lively South London neighborhood.

Ellie, co-owner of Fel Fel, is captured sitting elegantly at a table by the entrance, her welcoming presence mirroring the inviting atmosphere of their Bermondsey Street café, a local favorite in South London

How did your Bermondsey story begin?

Rod - I opened up my first bar back in 2003 in the town of Brentford West London, and within three years in 2006 won the highly acclaimed title of Best Bar Team in the UK at the Class Bar Awards and subsequently was nominated for best Bar Manager in the Uk two years in a row. During that time I was entering high-profiled cocktail competitions such as flying out to Lynchburg Tennessee to represent London at the Jack Daniels Cocktail Competition. And consulting on opening venues for other people as far afield as the Philippines, for Celebrity TV presenter Tim Yap.

In 2013 I became the first ever official Brand Ambassador for Italian Liqueur Disaronno, within this role, I would train bartenders across the UK and around the World, host global cocktail competitions as well as organising high profiled events for the likes of Desperate House Wives Eva Longoria 'Global Gift Gala'.

In 2016 I was having meetings in SE1 regarding a big worldwide cocktail competition we were going to run and it was here that I discovered Bermondsey Street and fell in love with the street straight away. It felt like there was no other street in London like it. Ellie cut her teeth in hospitality as a teenager working after school and at weekends at her parents’ restaurant. Here she learnt the art of customer service and how to manage the back-of-house operations as well as front-of-house.

Rod, co-owner of Fel Fel, stands proudly at the welcoming entrance of the popular Bermondsey café, embodying the friendly and inviting atmosphere that Fel Fel is renowned for in the local community

How would you describe the food and drink at Fel Fel Cafe?

We always wanted to increase the food offerings in Chapter 72, but we knew some items would not fit within the brand or due to logistics would be too hard to prepare.

That's why we opened up Fel Fel Cafe, A cozy Bermondsey retreat where exceptional coffee, famous tuna melts, and warm conversations come together to create unforgettable moments. Alongside the wraps we offer fresh juices, all made in-house. My favourite is a mixed chicken and halloumi wrap with a fresh homemade lemonade. Ellie loves our falafel wrap with all the sauces with a fresh watermelon juice.

In what ways have you witnessed or experienced the community spirit in Bermondsey, especially considering the diverse and vibrant populace here?

We really count ourselves lucky to have some of the best customers who have supported us since day one. There is such a strong sense of community on Bermondsey Street and we are so humbled to be a small part of it. They are more than just guests to us, they have become friends. We've had the privilege to get to know their children, give treats to their pets, and meet their parents.

Bermondsey is home to various hidden treasures and secret spots. Can you share one of your favourite 'secret' spots or undiscovered gems in the area?

Our favourite spot on the street to sit is in the back room at Chapter 72, the room pays tribute to our favourite drink the Espresso Martini and we use that area to catch up on the day’s events and and bounce ideas off of each other and the team.

Looking ahead, how do you envision the future of Fel Fel Cafe?

Our future vision for Fel Fel Cafe is very simple, to keep consistently delivering great food to our guests. With a few surprise specials depending on the season.